Book Review: The Lost Journal by James D. Marshon – a boy in 1967 Britain

James D. Marshon is a freelance writer, born and raised in a suburb of Manchester, UK. The Lost Journal is a nostalgic story set in 1967 Britain, following the adventures of a nine-year-old boy and his circle of friends. Based on the author’s journal written at the time, the novel evokes the cultural and social atmosphere of the time in the delightful and often ill-thought-out escapes of young boys. Told in an easy and humorous style, the book is a delightful read that is equal parts heartwarming and moving.

One of the novel’s strongest aspects is its depiction of the 1960s. Marshon’s attention to detail brings the era to life through vivid descriptions of music, fashion, and the norms of post-war Britain. The setting is not just a backdrop, but an integral part of the story, shaping the experiences and framing childhood in a world on the cusp of change. This historical richness is particularly enjoyable for readers familiar with or nostalgic for the time, but it occasionally feels like the author sacrifices story momentum for period authenticity. If you’ve ever been a nine-year-old boy, or had a nine-year-old boy, or were the sister of a nine-year-old boy, many of these scenes will ring true with you, likely bring a smile to your face.

Marshon skillfully captures the innocence, curiosity, and humor of his childhood, crafting moments of genuine relatability. The boys’ escapades, full of mischief and wonder, are where the novel shines brightest, inviting readers to reflect on the universal experiences of growing up. Some might find the episodic nature of these adventures lacks structure, but this is the nature of a book based on a journal: loosely connected vignettes rather than a cohesive narrative arc.

The humor in The Lost Journal is another highlight. Marshon’s witty and playful writing style resonates throughout the book, bringing levity to even mundane moments. Dialogue between the boys feels authentic, capturing the banter and camaraderie of youth. Opportunities to explore the protagonist’s inner world, family relationships, or the societal challenges of the time are glossed over in favor of lightheartedness. I would argue that this was not the author’s intention, to address societal challenges or family relationships, but to write an entertaining series of vignettes of a nine-year-old boy in the United Kingdom. It is not without themes, however: friendship, loyalty, family, sibling rivalry, and personal growth are all touched upon without being heavy-handed. The last chapter of the book describes where all the characters ended up in life, serving as a bookend to the introduction.

The writing style successfully immerses readers in its world, this year in the life of a nine-year-old boy. Marshon’s ability as a writer in this slice of lifestyle, and his humor, is wonderfully engaging. For example, this passage during a family trip to Wales:

The Welsh language has an overabundance of consonants and very few vowels. Attempts from non-natives to articulate the words and place names usually results in prolonged paralysis of the larynx, months of therapy, and frequent surgery. On one occasion, I thought my brother had mastered the Welsh language, but it turned out he was choking on a half-masticated piece of Welsh lamb.

Some perspectives of a nine-year-old boy are quite funny, especially where there is a misunderstanding about a word:

My headmaster, Mr. Murdoch, suggested that I needed tutoring. I didn’t like the sound of that. Half the dogs on our road had been tutored, and none of them were ever the same again.

My only significant critique is that there are a significant number of typographical errors, mostly punctuation: missing commas, quotation marks out of place, extra unneeded spaces, and so on. The use of straight quotes rather than standard publication quotes is unnecessary. There are also some areas where a story is repeated in a shorter reference, as if we hadn’t read it before. These are all minor issues, but sometimes are distracting. Hiring a proofreader would solve all of these issues quickly.

Despite this issue, I found The Lost Journal is an enjoyable read for those who value a richly detailed setting and a lighthearted tone. Its nostalgic charm and humor will undoubtedly appeal to fans of history or those looking to reminisce about their own childhood. Marshon’s evocative writing captures the spirit of the late 1960s, and is like a pleasant trip down memory lane. My time reading this book was quite a joy.